Always a crowd favorite with its jazzy and eclectic blend of horns, organ, stings, congas and drums, Chuck and his band performed in front of a sold-out crowd on an evening where the weather was perfect for an outdoor concert.

 

Prior to his performance, Chuck strolled to each corner of the stage and shook the hands of his adoring and enthusiastic fans amidst the backdrop of a darkened stage. Chuck, in his signature fedora hat and dark sunglasses, appeared almost gossamer-like in the white spot lights at each stage corner. 

 

As the evening progressed the band played favorite hits like the Barry White inspired song, Playin' Your Game, and other Chuck Brown favorites which continued to have the crowd on its feet for most of the evening.

 

The show would later provide surprise performances by long-time friend, and go-go artist, Little Bennie (lead of Little Bennie and Masters), and Suga Bear of E.U. (Experience Unlimited).  Perhaps the most unexpected artist of the evening was bass guitar extraordinaire, Marcus Miller (having performed the previous evening with George Duke and Stanley Clarke at Wolftrap) who stopped by to add even more flavor to the evening with his finger thumping, almost drum-like sounding, bass playing performance.

 

The show's opening act, the pivotal funk group, the S.O.S. (Sounds of Success) Band, also performed.  Their funky stage moves and reminiscent grooves took the crowd back to its 1980s hey day with hits like Baby Take Your Time, Tell Me If You Still Care, and other hit favorites. The voice of the group's lead singer, Mary Davis, sounded just like the days of old and didn't miss a beat.  The group's original members also lent great vocal performances as well as old-school and hip-hop dance routines that could challenge dancers of today. 

 

The show was a remarkable come back for a very talented and professional group of musicians.

 

The SOS Band.  Still movin' and groovin'!